service report car

Check a car’s service history

Find out about the car's maintenance history before you buy.

One often hears that you should never buy a used car without having its service history. But just how important is the service history of a car? Should shoppers automatically walk away from the purchase of a car, simply because the service records are incomplete or missing altogether? What are the possible consequences of buying a vehicle which hasn’t undergone the proper maintenance services? Here at CARFAX, we take a look at these questions and explain the importance of the service history of a car, as well as where you can find the complete history of service records.

What kind of service records are there?

The service history of a car consists of any maintenance work done on a vehicle , regardless of the frequency, difficulty, or cost:

Oil change is perhaps the most common maintenance performed on a vehicle is to regularly change the oil.

Cabin and air filter replacement

Windshield wipers replacement

Battery replacement

These common forms of vehicle maintenance are all typically quick and easy ways to maintain a vehicle. Other maintenance services that can put a strain on your wallet include :

Changing spark plugs. If the spark plugs are covered in a buildup or simply worn out, the engine will not operate efficiently. This means extra fuel costs and can lead to a breakdown in the future.

Wheel balance and rotation. It’s also important to ensure the tires are balanced and rotated. Having the car properly aligned also prevents the need to replace all four tires at once (which can be very expensive) due to uneven wear.

But there are some records in the service history of a car which are more critical to look out for:

Timing belt replacement. Many vehicles require that the timing belt be changed every 100,000-120,000 kilometers. This service can be an expensive and failing to perform it can result in the belt snapping. When a timing or serpentine belt fails, your car will break down wherever it is, and there is a risk that other significant parts will be damaged due to the failure. A snapped timing belt can also lead to an engine replacement being necessary, which increases the costs of repair significantly.

Without having the service history of a car, it’s very difficult to know if and when this maintenance has been performed.

Service history represents good ownership

One of the greatest benefits of buying a vehicle which includes with the service history, is the peace of mind it brings with it. Owners who took the time, and spent the money, to regularly maintain their vehicle often tend to have taken better care of the vehicle in general.

If the previous owner kept all the service and maintenance receipts, one could assume they drove the car with pride and wanted to ensure it was in the best technical condition possible.

This is usually seen as a plus for used car shoppers, as it is preferable to buy a vehicle which was driven with love, rather than abuse. While a stack of service records doesn’t automatically mean the vehicle is in perfect condition, it is still a good sign.

What about vehicles with no service records?

If the owner of the vehicle you’re interested in doesn’t have the records available, this doesn’t necessarily equal a red flag for the vehicle. Some owners perform the regular maintenance but aren’t the type to keep records. Or sometimes the owner simply lost them.

It may be possible, however, that the vehicle simply wasn’t properly serviced. These vehicles carry a much higher risk. Buyers should be aware that problems can, and often do, arise when a vehicle has no service history. Accidents can occur due to an unforeseen mechanical failure. Hefty repair bills can come suddenly and without warning. For these reasons and more, it’s very important to find out if the vehicle has been properly maintained.

If you are a used car seller, and you have lost – or never had – the service history of your car, showing the CARFAX Report to potential buyers demonstrates that you have nothing to hide about your car. This builds trust in a situation where the customer could potentially walk away from the sale.

Check the service history on the CARFAX Report

What can you do to obtain service history of the vehicle you are interested in.

If the vehicle was serviced by an official manufacturer or franchised dealership, records are maintained in their computer system. It is often easy enough to obtain them from the dealership directly.

There is another, easier way to find out the service history of a car. The CARFAX Vehicle History Report contains all reported service and maintenance records over the course of a vehicle’s lifetime.

In addition to the service history, CARFAX’s Vehicle History Report offers used car buyers a lot more useful information, including:

Registration information

Technical specifications

Vehicle age

Number of owners

Mileage records

Odometer manipulation

Title history

And much more…

Our ever-growing database has over 14 billion records from sources around the globe. Learning about the service history of a car and much more can help you avoid buying a vehicle with costly hidden problems. Check the CARFAX before you buy !

CARFAX also checks for:

• Used car's accident & damage history
• Mileage manipulations
• Number of owners and car usage
• Car reported as stolen
• Car's import history

Check in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises

Check Your Car Maintenance History Online

What is service history?

When buying a used vehicle, it’s important to have as much information as possible on where and when the car was serviced throughout its lifetime. Knowing the service history not only tells you how well the previous owner(s) took care of the vehicle, it’s also a way to determine whether you’re getting a fair price or not. The best way to find out is with a CARFAX Canada Vehicle History Report.

What is a CARFAX Canada Vehicle History Report?

Our report is the most comprehensive vehicle history account you’ll find anywhere. It provides a wealth of details about a used car based on available information from insurance companies, dealerships, service shops and police records. We have access to billions of data records drawn from thousands of unique sources, including data that you won’t find anywhere else.

What will the car service history tell me?

The service history section of the vehicle history report provides details of a car’s available service records. Details can include:

• Service intervals
• Odometer readings at the time of each service
• Oil and filter changes
• Alignment checks
• Electrical filter checks

Why do I need it?

Having detailed and accurate information on the service history of a car is key to helping you make the best decision when you’re buying used.

With a comprehensive service history, you can:

• Confirm that the car has been taken care of properly
• Uncover potential problems or yellow flags that the seller may be unaware of or hiding
• Ask questions about any service gaps in the report
• Confirm if the pricing is fair and that the ad matches details in the report
• Know what to look for when inspecting the vehicle. For example, is there more wear and tear than you would expect to see based on the details in the report?

It’s also a good idea to have a complete service history record when you’re selling a used car. It could save a lot of effort, and help you close the deal more quickly.

How do I get a CARFAX Canada Vehicle History Report?

Visit our order page and follow the simple steps outlined to receive a report. The report will be generated on-demand as the data is provided in real time.

If you’re buying a used car from a dealership, ask your sales representative for a CARFAX Canada report.

In order to protect yourself when buying used, we always recommend the golden trio:

• Take the car for a test drive
• Get a CARFAX Canada Vehicle History Report
• Bring the report and the car to a licensed mechanic for an inspection

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Vehicle History Report: Everything You Need To Know

• Vehicle history reports help you make informed decisions when used car shopping.
• Learn crucial information concerning vehicle maintenance, accidents, mileage accuracy, title status, and more, but not wear and tear.
• History reports cost $25 to $40, and sellers often provide them to prospective buyers.
• Reports do not substitute a comprehensive inspection from a qualified mechanic.

Buying a used car can create a significant amount of stress and anxiety. Handing over your hard-earned money for any automobile is difficult, especially when the vehicle’s past is unknown.

The exterior and interior condition hints at how much care the previous owner provided. Still, looking at visible areas of a vehicle won’t tell you about repairs and routine maintenance or whether it was in a crash.

Used car buyers should review a vehicle history report to discover any hidden issues the car experienced during its time on the road. Continue reading to learn what information is in a vehicle history report and how it can help you make an informed decision about buying a used automobile.

What Is a Vehicle History Report?

• What Is on a Vehicle History Report?

When Do You Need a Vehicle History Report?

How do you get a vehicle history report, steps after viewing vehicle history report.

A vehicle history report is a collection of records that provide information about a used car that may affect your decision to buy or how much to pay for it. Records or events in the vehicle’s life get collected from thousands of sources. They may help you answer these crucial questions:

• Ownership : How many people owned this car?
• Accident(s) : Was this car involved in a collision?
• Mileage : Does the odometer on this car show accurate mileage?
• Inspections : Has this car had up-to-date inspections?
• Lemon : Is this car branded a lemon?

What Is on a Vehicle History Report? 

The information on a vehicle history report will help you better understand the used car you’re interested in buying. It will give details into significant events that potential owners should consider, such as:

• Major Accident
• Mileage Rollback
• Multiple Owners
• Structural Damage
• Vehicle Service History
• Lease, Personal, Taxi, or Police Use
• Flood Damage
• Airbag Deployment
• Mileage Rollover
• Hail Damage
• Branded a Lemon
• Last Reported Mileage
• State-Owned
• Length of Ownership
• Estimated Miles Driven Per Year
• Not Actual Mileage
• Recall Information
• Warranty Information

What’s Not on a Vehicle History Report?

Companies that provide vehicle history reports, such as AutoCheck and Carfax, make efforts to keep their information current. However, reports will only show the latest event submitted to the reporting companies. It’s possible that a vehicle could be wrecked, repaired, and sold before a record of the incident shows up in the databases companies use to compile information.

A report won’t tell you the overall condition of the automobile or its level of wear and tear. For example, the history outline doesn’t indicate that a car’s tires have worn tread or that the brake rotors need replacing.

Vehicle history reports might indicate a vehicle has only one owner, but they will not name the individual. The information will not provide any insight into the driving habits of previous owners.

It pays to be prepared when you’re buying a used vehicle and also when you’re selling one . A vehicle history report can help both used car buyers and sellers.

• If you’re buying a used car, the information in a report can help you identify any hidden issues with the vehicle, such as previous flooding or other salvage labels.
• When you are selling a used car, showing a vehicle history report to potential buyers can help ease concerns about the car’s history and, therefore, make it easier to sell the vehicle.

How Accurate are Vehicle History Reports?

An accurate vehicle history report relies on accuracy in the databases collecting the info. Errors can happen. And delays in providing information can cause an incomplete report. Gaps or omissions in a car’s service history may exist because the auto shop didn’t report the repair. Handy owners might perform regular oil changes and other maintenance regularly in their driveway, but those events won’t be on that vehicle’s report. Vehicle history reports provide a snapshot of a car’s life and service history. They do not necessarily provide the entire story.

RELATED: Car Maintenance Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Vehicle history reports detail a car’s ownership, title status , accident history, and more. To get a report on a car you want to buy, you’ll typically need to have its 17-digit vehicle identification number, or VIN. Locate the VIN on the driver’s side dashboard near the windshield. Alternatively, you may be able to use the vehicle’s license plate number.

With that number, there are several websites you can visit and check on the vehicle you’re interested in.

Carfax and AutoCheck are leaders in the vehicle history reporting industry. Access AutoCheck’s service through our site for easy assistance.

Use the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s free VINCheck database to see if a car has been reported stolen or if it’s a salvage vehicle. Most consumers should avoid purchasing an automobile that has ever been stolen or has a salvage record. You’ll want to steer clear of any vehicles with a flood history .

How Much is a Vehicle History Report?

Vehicle history reports usually cost between $25 and $40, depending on the service you use. Most providers offer discounted packages for reports on multiple automobiles while you’re car shopping.

Some dealerships and online auto marketplaces (like our sister site Autotrader) provide history reports at no cost on used vehicles for sale.

Free Vehicle History Reports

Be aware of the difference between a free vehicle history report and getting a vehicle history report for free. Unless it’s part of a promotion, running a complete vehicle history report costs money. Services typically let you search a VIN for free and will tell you if records are available for that vehicle, but you’ll need to pay to obtain the report that summarizes essential information about accidents, service records, and more.

On the other hand, sellers often provide access to a vehicle history report for free to show potential buyers that they’re being open about the vehicle’s condition.

Take another test drive to get a feel for things. For example, you might detect an issue that happens only when the car gets driven on the highway. Also, remember to listen to your gut. If something doesn’t seem right, step away from the deal.

Use information from the history report as leverage when you patiently negotiate a fair price.

AutoCheck and Carfax reports have good information to help you during your car-buying process. If the vehicle history report doesn’t show any glaring red flags, you need an independent mechanic to perform an inspection.

MORE:  Test Driving a Car: A Checklist of What To Look For

Do You Still Need an Inspection?

A vehicle history report does not substitute for a mechanic’s inspection. We believe it’s best practice to obtain a thorough examination from an independent mechanic before you buy a vehicle. A professional can review the automobile to help ensure it does not exhibit any hidden damage.

Find a certified mechanic and give the person a copy of the vehicle’s history report. Qualified technicians will be familiar with the systems that have a tendency for problems. An experienced mechanic’s assessment might cost a hundred dollars or more. The fee will be worth it because their evaluation might discover mechanical issues that keep you from purchasing a car that would cost you much more down the road.

Services such as Alliance Inspection Management’s AiM Certify , owned by Kelley Blue Book parent Cox Automotive, will come to your location and inspect a vehicle. Costs range from $129 to $349, depending on the service inspection you choose.

Related Car Buying and Selling Stories:

• Buying Used vs. Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles
• 10 Things to Know Before Buying a Used Electric Car
• Is Now the Time to Buy, Sell, or Trade-In a Used Car?

For Sale Near You

Is a vehicle history report free?

AutoCheck and Carfax will tell you for free how many records exist for a car. For details, however, you’ll need to pay. A single report from a vehicle history report service can cost between $25 and $40. Packages and subscriptions lower the per report fee. The National Insurance Crime Bureau’s VINCheck database is a free service that will tell you if a car has been reported stolen or if it’s a salvage vehicle from a flood, for example. Access AutoCheck to find out the history of your car.

How to get a vehicle history report?

You’ll need the car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number. Use the VIN to check vehicle history report services, such as AutoCheck or Carfax, before you buy the automobile.

Are vehicle history reports legit?

The best-known vehicle history report services are AutoCheck and Carfax. These legitimate companies provide information that is collected from sources including insurance agencies, vehicle registries, and mechanics.

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How to Check Vehicle History for Free

Last Updated: May 30, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Bryan Hamby . Bryan Hamby is the owner of Auto Broker Club, a trusted auto brokerage in Los Angeles, California. He founded Auto Broker Club in 2014 out of a passion for cars and a unique talent for customizing the car dealership process to be on the buyer’s side. With 1,400+ deals closed, and a 90% customer retention rate, Bryan’s focus is to simplify the car buying experience through transparency, fair pricing, and world class customer service. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,258,523 times.

A vehicle history report (VHR) is a statement that will let you know information about the ownership and repair history about a specific vehicle. This can be a very important tool if you are considering purchasing a used car. Using the Internet, you can very easily obtain a free vehicle history report, but the information that is available for free is often quite limited. You need to know how to evaluate the abbreviated VHR that you can get for free and find alternate ways to get a complete VHR.

Generating a Free Vehicle History Report

• Several dealerships will list a used car with a link to a free CARFAX VHR report. You may also search for used cars on CARFAX's website. Each listing comes with a free CARFAX VHR. [3] X Research source

• A complete VHR will separate information into the following sections: vehicle history and report summary, value calculator, ownership history, title history, additional history, and detailed history. A free report will contain components of each section, but the information will not include as many details. Since the free VHR is vague, it may also be harder to interpret. [5] X Research source

Requesting that the Dealership Runs the Vehicle History Report

• When talking to the salesperson, you could say: “I really love this car, but I have a few reservations. My last car was in the shop all of the time and I want to make sure this vehicle doesn't have a long history of repairs. In order to commit to the car, I need to see a detailed vehicle history report. This would really ease my concerns. Would you be willing to provide me with one?”
• Wait until you are close to purchasing the car to request a VHR. A dealer is unlikely to run these reports on a number of vehicles.
• Even if you’re buying the car from a private seller rather than a dealership, they may be willing to purchase a full VHR and share it with you.

Generating a Free Fraud Check

• The NICB offers a free VIN check, which offers information about the car’s history based on the Vehicle Identification Number. [10] X Research source
• For example, you can use this service to find out if your car has ever been reported stolen or reported as a salvage vehicle.

• VinCheck keeps 5 years of history that will help prevent fraudulent vehicle transfer.
• You are allowed 5 searches from the same IP address.

Evaluating the Vehicle History Report that You Need

• Manufacturer
• Manufacturing details, such as chassis type, engine size, country of assembly, and engine power
• A general summary of what the full report would contain if you choose to purchase it

• Ownership history
• Clean title/ownership verification
• Periodic odometer readings
• Maintenance records
• History of rental or lease
• Accident repair history
• Flood repair history

• Vehicle ownership records
• Vehicle information
• Government records
• Public records
• Background history
• Historical records
• State records

• VehicleHistory.com appears to offer a full report for free. However, this is a relatively new resource, and less has been written about the validity of VehicleHistory.com than the other sources. Consumer Reports recommends that buyers consider comparing reports from multiple sources.

Expert Q&A

• If you live in the U.S., it’s also a good idea to run your car’s VIN through the recall check on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website. This tool will let you know if your vehicle has been affected by a safety recall in the past 15 years but was never repaired. [19] X Trustworthy Source National Highway Traffic Safety Administration U.S. government agency responsible for writing and enforcing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.dmv.org/vehicle-history/find-vin.php
• ↑ https://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/which-vehicle-history-report-is-right-for-you.html
• ↑ https://www.carfax.com/company/free-carfax-reports
• ↑ https://www.dmv.org/vehicle-history/reading-vhr.php
• ↑ Bryan Hamby. Professional Auto Broker. Expert Interview. 1 March 2020.
• ↑ https://www.nicb.org/vincheck
• ↑ https://vincheck.info/check/vin-check.php
• ↑ https://www.carfax.com/guides/buying-used/what-to-consider/free-carfax
• ↑ https://www.autodna.com/vin
• ↑ https://consumer.ftc.gov/features/used-cars
• ↑ https://www.vehiclehistory.com/vehicle/land.php
• ↑ https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/buying-a-car/how-to-protect-yourself-when-buying-a-used-car-a7040550851/
• ↑ https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls

About This Article

If you want to check a vehicle’s history for free, first find its Vehicle Identification Number, or “VIN,” on the driver’s side door jamb. You can then go online and enter the VIN to get a free vehicle history report from a service like AutoCheck or CARFAX. If you want to be sure the vehicle isn’t stolen, you can also run the VIN through the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s online database. This will give you some assurance that the vehicle has a clean transfer record for the last 5 years, at least. For more on how to check a vehicle’s history for free, including by asking a dealership to pay for it, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to check your car’s service history

A full service history can add value to your car: here’s how to check it, and where to look for the information..

If you’re searching for a used car you have probably seen the phrase ‘full service history’ or FSH frequently appearing in the classified car ads. A car’s service history is a record of the maintenance that has been carried out during its lifetime. If you’re a buyer or a seller , checking a used car’s service history can give you valuable insight into its condition and value .

Whether a car’s service history is in a printed book or online, it will consist of a number of set ages and mileages, and a technician will stamp it accordingly if a service is carried out at these points in the car’s life. If a car has the correct amount of service stamps for its age/mileage, this is what is classed as a full service history.

If you’re buying a used car, a full service history - ideally supported by receipts for the parts and services themselves - is usually a good sign that previous owners have taken good care of it. The documentation will help towards reassuring you that there aren’t any hidden issues that could cause breakdowns or big repair bills at a later date. If you’re selling the car this works in reverse, the detailed history will reassure the buyer and add value to your vehicle.

Sometimes there are legitimate reasons for an incomplete service histories on cars; the paperwork could simply be misplaced, or a garage may have forgotten to stamp the book. There are ways of tracking down this missing information, though, so read on to find out more.

Service history: where to find it

Ideally, a car will have been issued with a service book in which the garage performing each service will log the vehicle mileage, detail the completed work and authenticate the information with a stamp.

Some drivers also ask for a receipt or invoice that itemises each job carried out and the costs incurred. A particularly organised owner may even keep a folder of these invoices and receipts alongside the service book. Over time, these documents form a detailed history of the maintenance conducted on a car, allowing you to track which parts have been repaired or replaced, and when.

A number of manufacturers now keep an online record of any car that’s serviced by a franchised dealer. These can be retrieved by any dealership in just a few clicks.

Service history terminology

If you’re buying a used car , you may see sellers referring to service history in a number of ways. Here are the most commonly used phrases:

• Part service history (PSH): The car has some service stamps but at least one is missing. A long period of time and a significant amount of mileage may have passed between services, so it’s highly recommended to enquire about the reason behind any missing stamps. 
• Full service history (FSH): The car has the correct amount of stamps for its age and mileage.
• Full dealership service history (FDSH): The car has the correct amount of stamps and all services have been carried out by a main dealer.

How to track down missing info

If some of a car’s service history is missing, you may be able to recover it. If you know that it has been maintained by a franchised dealer, your local showroom may be able to produce all of the documentation relating to the car’s maintenance. This is more likely to work for newer vehicles, though, as older motors are less likely to have records stored online.

You will need to prove that you are the vehicle owner, ideally by showing a payment receipt signed by the previous owner. Producing the car’s log book (also known as the  V5C ) won’t be enough, as this only identifies the registered keeper. You’ll also need the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

If your car has been serviced by an independent garage, you can ask them to produce copies of any documentation they hold regarding your vehicle, although they won’t necessarily have these on file.

It’s important to bear in mind that General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) privacy rules mean garages may be cautious, and less willing than they once were to share service records.

If you don’t even know which garages have serviced your vehicle, you have two options. The first is to perform an MOT check on the government’s website, for which you only need your car’s registration number. You can then view the test location for each of the car’s MOTs by entering your 11-digit V5C number: this could give you some clues as to where a vehicle was serviced.

Unsure which questions to ask when buying a used car? Our sister site Carbuyer has the answers ...

• Used Car Guide
• Owning a car
• Car Maintenance
• Buying a car
• Selling a car

Shane is responsible for looking after the day-to-day running of the Auto Express website and social media channels. Prior to joining Auto Express in 2021, he worked as a radio producer and presenter for outlets such as the BBC.

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Car Service History

Get OEM verified service history of your car like Info on Odometer reading, Date of each service, The type of service performed, Info on Parts replaced and much more.

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What is Car Service History?

The service history of a car refers to the record of all the maintenance and repair work that has been performed on the vehicle throughout its life.

- Detailed Service History report:

- odometer reading:, - car parts:, - accident history & information:, please note.

The Service History of the car is made available in collaboration with OEMs and other Authorised Service Centres. This service is typically fulfilled in 3 working days.

The Service History for Luxury Brands ( Audi, BMW, Volvo, Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Lexus, Jaguar, Jeep, Morris Garages ) is available at INR 999 only.

About the Process

1. Select your service

Choose the specific service you need for your car.

2. Enter your car details

Provide the necessary information about your car, such as registration number, make, model, and year.

3. Book your service

Schedule an appointment for the selected service.

4. Pay online and enjoy the service

Make the payment online and enjoy the convenience of the service being provided to your car.

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16 rating and reviews

Bobby Mani wrote a review on 23 Nov

Thanks for the Full report. Very much impressed with the report

Very helpful service by CarDekho. It helps to avoid fraud to a great extend

Shilanand wrote a review on 23 Nov

Good Service Provided. Although it takes a 1 day time to generate the report but I got the true copy same. I have verified same report with Hyundai showroom.

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Frequently Asked questions

If i opt for cardekho service history, will i get a record of all the services that i have opted for in the past, what information does the car service history include.

• - Detailed service history report : This report provides comprehensive information about the car's maintenance and repair activities, including service dates and the types of services performed.
• - Odometer reading : It displays the recorded mileage of the vehicle, helping you understand its true mileage and identify any potential tampering issues.
• - Car parts : The service history report indicates if any parts were replaced during servicing, along with details about the replacements and the reasons behind them.
• - Accident history and information : It provides information about any accidents, damages, or incidents related to the car, giving you valuable insights into its past.

Is my car's service history shared with any third parties?

How far back does the service history record go.

How Can I Find My Cars Service History?

A car’s service history allows a person to see what types of previous car service have been performed on a vehicle. The report also includes dates and intervals of when the car was serviced as well as insights on what the previous owner has done on the car. If necessary, here at Peninsula Auto Clinic, we can have our mechanics look over the history, check for any warning signs and perform a service on your vehicle!

You need to go through the Register of Encumbered Vehicles (REVS) if you wish to find your car’s service history. They will look at the full service history if it is not already provided and provide a vehicle history report. This report includes: how many times maintenance was performed, previous vehicle registrations and the number of repairs completed.

How Do I Check My Car’s Service History?

If the car service history is not available when buying a used car then a Register of Encumbered Vehicles (REVS) check is necessary. This service will show all the finances on the car if there are existing finances needing to be paid and previous history. The car history check costs $25 and can include the following:

• Checks to see if the car has been stolen or written-off
• The odometer is looked to see if it has been winded back
• The financial liability of the car is inspected
• Any registration details are found
• Facts on the first sale of the car, how much it was sold at and a comparison
• If the vehicle has been damaged by floor, storms or other dilemmas is checked

Another method to have the car service history checked is by going through Service NSW . This method is especially useful to see if the car was registered in NSW and also if it was suspended or defected. Similar to a REVS check, a car service history report through Service NSW include:

• Checks on if the car was written-off after 2004 across all of Australia
• The plates, vehicle and engine are looked at to see if they were stolen
• How many times and where the car may have been registered in NSW
• What the car may have been used for, such as regular driving or taxi use
• When the car initially registered

Why Do I Need to Check My Car’s Service History?

Knowing your car’s service history before buying it is extremely important for these reasons:

• Prior Services – knowing what has been serviced on the car is beneficial and important. This means that tasks such as tyre balancing , oil changes , battery replacements and regular services will be known. If the previous owner properly serviced their car this will also mean the car is safer and more reliable to drive. 
• Good Ownership – when a car has been serviced correctly, this is a sign that the car was handled properly. If the services completed were scheduled regularly then the previous owner would have taken care of the car. 
• Car’s Value – if the car has been written off, meaning that the repairs of the car would have cost more than its value, this is important to know. If the car was not repaired due to these reasons then finding hidden issues or if the car was repaired but poorly can be found early. 

What are Some Signs of a Fake Service History?

What to look out for when looking at a car’s service history before purchasing it are:

• Ink – if the ink on the record looks faded in older services listed then this can indicate that it was correctly serviced. If the ink is of the same density then the list may have been fabricated and the dates may be incorrect.
• Manufactures – if the car was serviced by manufacturers giving them a call can help see if they have records of these services. The previous owner might have faked listed that the service was completed by the manufacturer.
• Mechanic – similar to manufacturers, a person may fabricate that the car was serviced by a local mechanic. If the mechanical shop does not exist or if the mechanic has no record of the car being serviced then this is proof that the car has not been correctly serviced. 
• Receipts – when undergoing a Car Repair or service a receipt is often handed out by the mechanic. If the seller of the car cannot give receipts then this may be a warning sign of fake servicing. 
• Location – if the location of the service is far from the location of where the car is being sold this may be a warning sign.
• Low Kilometres – if the kilometres are listed low but the car seems to have wear and tear then the kilometre reading could be fake. A person might have faked the kilometres driven in the logbook and in the car to increase the value even though it has been driven more. 
• Handwriting – if the logbook has the same consistent handwriting and pressure then the owner could have fabricated the services. Different people often complete different services so there should be various handwritings in the logbook. 

Trusted Mechanics Performing Car Services

Peninsula Auto Clinic is one of the best mechanical shops on the Northern Beaches to perform car service work. We carry out both minor and major car services while completing theses tasks on all types of cars. Our mechanics will also work with the logbook and perform vehicle inspections if you want to make sure your new car is safe to drive. 

The mechanical services we offer are here for the whole Northern Beaches, including Avalon , Mona Vale and Duffys Forest . Contact Peninsula Auto Clinic today on 9999 2553 or email us at [email protected] for professional car services! 

• | 9999 2553

Automotive Services

• Automatic Transmission Service
• Brake Service
• Car Battery Replacement
• Clutch Service
• Exhaust Repair
• Subaru Mechanic
• Suspension Service
• 7 Perak Street, Mona Vale, Northern Beaches, NSW, 2103

Monday: 7:00am – 5:00pm

Tuesday: 7:00am – 5:00pm

Wednesday: 7:00am – 5:00pm

Thursday: 7:00am – 5:00pm

Friday: 7:00am – 5:00pm

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: Closed

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